My girls want to play on the computer. They want to play games like Nick Jr., Sesame Street and others. I recognize that we, as parents, are dealing with children that know as much if not more about computers than we do.

I wanted to find something that they could interact with, but was still educational and not an XBOX or Wii. I won't say that there are some neat things, but I don't live by my computer and computer/TV games and I won't let them either, Period.

I was on the hunt for something that would be fun but would teach as well. Yes, some may argue that the Wii can teach them how to play base ball. Can it? Can it really replace playing a real game of baseball...No; everyone should know that to be true. Only being out on the field smelling the fresh cut grass and the contact of hitting the ball and then running as fast as your feet will go. That! That is Baseball!

So moving on from sentimental times. I looked and looked, and then I found something. Something wonderful called Jump Start!

Jump Start is a 3D world of adventure. After the installation your kids will be able to wander around the land following different story lines and helping different characters with their problems. There are many different stops on the way to play educational games as well as create pictures to share. You'll also find the land changes for different events and holidays. If you want to open up all the different lands and games you, as a parent, need to pull out the Visa and subscribe to the full membership. There is a small amount you will have to pay. But it is great!

I have to register my email and go thru the regular mumbo jumbo, but I finally got them in.

The game is amazing and so educational for both of the girls. My oldest has moved on to different projects and situations and my youngest is loving just being able to do what daddy and sis do but accomplish her own things.

The program allows the child to work thru and participate in situations and has them figure out what to do next. When the tasks are completed, they are able to move forward. These tasks include money, counting and many different obstacles. Once these are completed, you as the parent are notified on your email about the development on advancement of the child.

This is a fantastic game, but really is so much more than just a game because it always continues and doesn't just end with the classic "YOU WIN!" I have seen my children respond and react to this better than I have seen them want to watch a TV show. When it comes to "hey, you two want to play Jump Start or do you just want to watch a show?" they both head to the computer. I have also found that they are more willing to work together on some of the projects and that they both now listen better to each other.

These disks not only allow your child to participate in continuing educational material but also allow for printable materials as well. There are arts and crafts to print along with word and math problems that they can print up and work on at their leisure when the computer is off.

I love knowing that I get updates of how well tasks are completed and when, but also letting them be able to advance their knowledge of the computer and give them things to do that are of the physical nature when the computer is turned off.

Computers are now such a daily part of most everyone's life. I don't mind my children knowing how to use one, I just want them to be able to know that it can be fun and help them grow if they use it the right way!

Give it a try www.jumpstart.com, you will be surprised, I was.

Doug